Is this enough food? Or do people expect a cooked dinner

I once went to a party where the vegetarian option did turn out to be an apple sauce sandwich, the host knew there were vegetarians (5 out of the 15 attending!), but still only made pulled pork. We all had one allocated cob each, very generous.

But anyway, yes of course people need to eat dinner, are there really that many people who only have either lunch or dinner. Any meny us fine, as long as its enough for everyone to have a full meal, a slice to toast, scrambled egg and a bit of salmon is not a full meal.

I think with plenty of bread it sounds fine

did I miss how many you’re catering for? If not loads I’d be tempted to get plenty of packs of bacon and some breadcakes then offer bacon butties about midnight (stick bacon in the oven on trays for twenty mins or so) if people fancy them, if not don’t bother and bacon last weeks in the fridge unopened

I’d be happy with bits and bobs if I had a three course meal at 1.

How about smoked salmon bagels?
Easy to put together if any one gets properly hungry. Much cheaper than a takeout pizza.

I’d have a few nice pizzas in Fridge Judy in case

Depends so much on the lunch.
If it's really a full dinner but at midday, picky bits are fine.

I’ve heard rumours of an obesity crisis in the UK but I’ve yet to see any evidence.

Just add some supermarket pizzas and the plan is fine.

I think it sounds fine, but suggest a few extra carbs to soak up alcohol.

Pizza is fine, but not everyone likes pizza, so maybe some pizza, and some quiche to supplement the bread, crackers and sausages rolls.

As you will have had a 3 course lunch, and probably snacks at the theatre I wouldn't do another hot meal.

For me I would love some cold meats, cheeses, crackers, bread, sun-dried tomatoes. Maybe some form of pasta salad too/coleslaw.

Lasagne as someone mentioned previously would go down nicely too but I think picky bits are better.

Maybe stick some olives out too, cucumber, carrot, dips. Easy to prep beforehand and you can just decant the dips or leave them in the packet.

Wouldn't mind some quiche either!

It's on par with a suggestion I saw on a different thread where someone wrote as an easy food option to do a hog roast and have a 'massive bowl of apple sauce' 🤢
I don't eat meat, so an apple sauce bap would mean I'd decline the entire event, gladly.

Can you post a photo of the posh menu OP? (With the restaurant name cropped off)
I love looking at menus.

Sounds lovely to me and plenty of food, especially after a big lunch

I never suggested the OP provide a take-away or 3 course meal in the evening! I agreed that the charcuterie and bits are a great idea. In my earlier post, I included a few other things she could add IF people are still hungry.

I found it strange that some people wouldn't want some snacks, 8+hrs after eating a lunch and with multiple drinks on board.

I woke up wanting green olives because of this thread

Why do people always suggest offering a bit pot of chilli?
I'd be gutted if that was the food on offer - that's a midweek tea in this house and never really one that we all look forward to!

I’m so surprised at people not wanting to eat after a lunch out, especially an early one. We host a boozy party every year, people come around 2-3pm, we feed them about 3-4 and guaranteed I’ll be bringing out more food at 9-10pm that gets eaten. Your day sounds almost like a wedding with no ceremony, nice lunch but then lots of drinking requiring an evening buffet to soak it up. As long as you have plenty of carbs and cheese you’ll be fine. I always over cater so would definitely have something like pizza in (I wouldn’t want fork food when you’re still drinking, and presumably curled up in armchairs/ on the sofa, you want something you can graze on close to hand). If it’s going on until the following morning then whilst scrambled eggs isn’t my choice I can definitely see the merits in a breakfast roll. Have a great birthday and enjoy!

A hot quiche or tart with salad and fresh bread would be delicious and easy.

Get some proper food in

don’t skimp, yes people will be ok with a few slices of salami and bread, and MNers could not possibly even eat that if they already had a 3 course lunch 😁 but lots of people love to eat when they are having a relaxed evening with drinks

The thing is not what you would want but not being stingy with friends and providing good hospitality. A buffet in the line of what OP is suggesting allows people to have what they want.

Sounds nice.

That's exactly what I'd do too.

This creased me 😂😂

Have you ever had a meal pre a matinee theatre show? The ones I've had, have been no where near as filling as a Christmas luncheon! Its generally small serving, quick options, and not he heavy things eaten in a Christmas meal!

The OP is planning drinking and carrying on into the night. Wouldn't you be peckish 7-8hrs into the evening after lunch?

At Christmas, we don't leave the table until about 3.30.

The OP (and her party) are going to a matinee at the theatre, so I'm going to presume will want to be arriving at the theatre by about 2pm. I don't know if there is travel between the place they eat and the theatre or not, but even if not, for a party to have finished (and presumably gone to the loo, paid the bill, waited for the one that's not ready, etc) in time to be at the theatre on time, I'm guessing they would need to be sitting down by about 12.15.

It's quite a difference.